Indeed they may be seen as deadly predators, but with agility and stealth, impressive colours, and mesmerising movements, they can also be pretty adorable.
You read right: these are the ten cutest snake breeds in the world.
For many, the thought of snakes stirs uneasy feelings of fear. For others, snakes are a mysterious and exotic species. Found worldwide, snakes range from those that are extremely venomous to entirely harmless.
That aside, it is rare that you may deem snakes cute per se. Nevertheless, with their unique markings and fantastic colours, it’d be hard not to; these are the ten cutest snake breeds in the world.
Overview of the cutest snake species in the world
Ahead of our list of the top ten cutest snake breeds in the world, here is a brief overview of the characteristics that place these stunning breeds so highly up the list:
- The fact that these snakes are often small in stature is what makes them cute.
- Often, some of these snake breeds exhibit playful behaviour, adding to the overall cuteness of the species.
- As this list will demonstrate, perhaps the dominant feature of the cutest snake breeds is their stunning panoramic colour patterns and skin designs.
- Another defining characteristic adding to their cuteness would be their docile and gentle temperament.
- Lastly, some of these snakes are blessed with very endearing facial features, which, like any animal, massively adds to their levels of cuteness.
10. Eyelash viper – the glam snake
With impressive eyelash-like scales that sit above this snake’s eyes, it comes as no surprise that it was named the eyelash viper.
Native to Central and South America, eyelash vipers come in a broad range of colours and are venomous, although they would only attack a human in self-defence. So, if you happen to stumble across one, make sure to steer clear.
9. Emerald tree boa – a South American rainforest snake
The emerald tree boa is a snake that is native to the South American rainforest. Its scientific name is corallus caninus, although few people actually call it that.
It’s non-venomous, meaning its bite won’t kill you, and with its dashing green scales, it makes its way onto our list of the cutest snakes in the world.
Related: our review of the ten cutest fish breeds in the world
8. Blue Malaysian coral snake – a snake group from southeast Asia
The blue coral snake or blue Malayan coral snake is a type of snake group that encompasses three species. These snakes live in Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Burma.
Distinct for their dark blue suit with coral tipped heads, they are one of the most unique snakes cited here.
7. San Francisco garter snake – a stunning, slender snake
The San Francisco garter snake is one of the most mesmerising snakes on our list of the cutest snake breeds in the world.
Listed as an endangered subspecies since 1967, this blue, white, red, and black striped snake is harmless to humans. However, it can grow to 18-55 inches (46-140 cm).
6. Emerald green pit viper – an iconic snake
The green pit viper is an iconic snake that comes from the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama. To date, there are no known subspecies, and it can grow up to 39 inches (100 centimetres) in length.
With its striking green colour and yellow eyes, the green pit viper comes in at number six on our list of cutest snakes in the world.
Read: The World Bucket List’s ranking of the cutest dog breeds in the world
5. Asian vine snake – a snake of many names
The Asian vine snake (whose scientific name is ahaetulla prasina) has many other names associated with it; these include Boie’s whip snake, Gunther’s whip snake, and Oriental whip snake.
With a bright green colour and large fangs, this venomous snake resides in Central and South America.
4. Brazilian rainbow boa – a rainbow snake
The rainbow boa is a snake species commonly found in Central and South America, much like the aforementioned. There are five subspecies of this type of snake, whose technical name is epicrates cenchria.
Although a bite from a Brazilian rainbow boa may be painful, it’s unlikely to be dangerous. They only bite when they feel threatened, so just remember to take your time and approach with caution if you see one.
3. High yellow-green tree python – native to New Guinea
With its striking lime scales, the high yellow-green tree python has to be one of the cutest snake breeds in the world.
It’s indigenous to New Guinea and spends most of its time hanging out in the trees hunting small mammals and reptiles.
Read more: check out where the beaked sea snake ranks on our list of the most dangerous sea creatures
2. Red milk snake – not to be mistaken for a coral snake
Red milk snakes are relatively small at around 21-28 inches (53-71 cm). You can recognise them for their blood-red colour with black markings.
Often mistaken for coral snakes, red milk snakes are nonvenomous and should pose no threat to humans. You can find them in Canada, the United States, and South America.
1. Corn snakes – perhaps the cutest snake out there
Corn snakes first originated in the United States. They have often been confused for the deadly copperhead snake, but corn snakes are actually quite harmless.
They come in a wide variety of colours and markings, making them the top on our list of cutest snakes in the world.
Your questions answered about the cutest snake breeds in the world
Still interested in more information after reading our article on the cutest snake breeds in the world? We have you covered if so! Here, we have put together a list of some of the most frequently asked questions online about this topic.
What is the easiest snake to handle?
There are a range of snakes that could be put here, chief amongst them the Garter Snake, Corn Snake, the Rosy Boas and the California King Snake.
What is the smallest friendliest snake?
If you are a beginner and want to handle a small snake, you could start with the Western Hognose, the Kenyan sand boa in Africa or the Rosy boa.
What is the largest friendliest snake?
The largest friendliest snakes include blood pythons, ball pythons and BCI boas.
What is the rarest snake?
This is the Antiguan racer. It is believed fewer than 150 of these now exist today.
